Mixed day for Debra Medina's supporters: After several complaints that the Chronicle dared to suggest that the Republican gubernatorial primary hopeful might be a secessionist, she gets endorsed by the Texas Nationalist Movement.

The group (motto: "Independence. In our lifetime.") describes its mission as "to secure and protect the political, cultural and economic independence of the nation of Texas." Its website prominently features articles on not just the benefits but the inevitability of secession ("When Texas inevitably secedes from the United States, it will need a President," as Russell T. Longcore wrote last month.)

This could be a boost for her campaign, considering that TNM leader Daniel Miller wounded Gov. Rick Perry's ultraconservative credentials somewhat back in August when he accused the incumbent of "just making 'pillow talk' during an election cycle". As for where she stands on a separate Texas, Miller wrote that while "Medina has publicly stated she does not necessarily support secession" (and that's a very big "necessarily") she is "in line with the core beliefs of our organization."

Full press release below.

The Texas Nationalist Movement on Monday endorsed the candidacy of Debra Medina for Governor of Texas.

“This is the first candidate our organization has ever endorsed,” TNM president Daniel Miller said. “One of the key reasons is that almost everything she says is in line with the core beliefs of our organization. She believes in letting the people of Texas have their say.”

Miller noted that while Medina has publicly stated she does not necessarily support secession, “she believes in letting the people of Texas decide that issue.”

Medina, who is seeking the Republican nomination in the governor’s race, has taken public stances on a number of issues vital to TNM members, Miller said.

“She is the strongest candidate on government accountability to the voters, the strongest candidate on preserving individual liberties, the strongest candidate on letting the free enterprise system work, and the strongest candidate on limiting the role of government,” Miller said. “She is the only candidate in the governor’s race who is committed to securing and protecting the political, cultural and economic independence of Texas and to restoring and protecting a constitutional Republic and the inherent rights of the people of Texas.”

The Texas Nationalist Movement is a grassroots organization unaffiliated with any political party which seeks to peacefully re-establish Texas as an independent nation by putting the question of Texas independence before the voters of Texas.